Many have not heard of the Office of Government Relations. But it does exist. The smallest of all of Portland’s city offices, the Office of Government Relations happens to be one of the most important entities of the City of Portland.

Serving as the lobbyist, representative and liaison between jurisdictions local, national and international, Martha Pellegrino is the head of these affairs. Pellegrino has been a longtime law, government and political force in Portland. With successes such as the new affordable housing power, that allows The City of Portland to buy housing units of newly built residential buildings in hopes of leveling the current, overly competitive and expensive housing market.

Pellegrino has made it her job to find ways to engage and be a supporting political force, for the empowerment of marginalized communities. Her honesty brings to light an emerging generation of community invested politicians.